Host *Happy Hour* at Home with These 5 Bar Cart Essentials

What if I told you that the only thing standing in your way of hosting an unforgettable happy hour is a few bar cart essentials? Yup, it’s really that easy. I’m going to show you exactly how to turn your home into the new hot spot after work with just a few tools (no bouncer or cover charge required).

I love happy hour as much as the next girl, but it’s usually over before I even get there. With it’s limited hours and minimal drink options, happy hour is usually more trouble than it’s worth.

The real joy of after-work drinks comes from the lively atmosphere in a moody bar, the social interactions with friends and coworkers, and the tasty drinks and bites at a discounted price.

Instead of rushing to leave the office or chugging down drinks faster than you can order them, let’s bring happy hour in-house. I’m going to show you exactly how to build a bar tool kit that you can use to host countless gatherings at home like a professional mixologist. No special training or degree required.

Whether you’re hosting friends and coworkers or just re-creating happy hour at home for yourself on a random Tuesday evening, I’m going to teach you everything you need to know to prep drinks like a pro.

Starting with the top five *must-have* bar cart essentials. Let’s jump in!

Bar Cart Essentials: Building Your Starter Kit

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a perfectly stocked bar cart to craft a fancy cocktail. In fact, I only use a few bar tools to make my drinks.

So, start with the basics, get comfortable with your tools, and build from there. Here are the five bar cart essentials every host should have to host happy hours, cocktail parties, and the like.

Shaker

This one is pretty self-explanatory. A shaker is used to mix the cocktail and typically comes in two styles. The Boston Shaker consists of two tins, one smaller than the other, that form a vacuum seal for spill-proof shaking. If you’ve ever watched a professional bartender mix a drink at a restaurant bar, they were most likely using a Boston shaker.

The other traditional option is the Cobbler Shaker. This one consists of a tin, a built-in strainer, and a cap. It’s an excellent option for beginners because it includes a strainer.

The only downside is that the strainer can be difficult to remove, especially with colder drinks. I’ve made quite a few messes in my kitchen trying to pry the top off my Cobbler Shaker. If I were to buy another, I would definitely opt for a Boston Shaker.

Jigger

A jigger (double-sided measuring cup) is a must-have in every bar cart. Trust me, you don’t want to be the bartender who guesses their measurements and hopes for the best. Unless you’re a pro at “eyeballing”, get the jigger. I recommend buying one with a one-ounce and two-ounce measurement—it’ll handle virtually any recipe.

RELATED POST: 15 Hosting Tips You Can’t Forget for Your Fall Cocktail Party

My go-to is the Japanese Jigger, which has a vertical shape and measures one-ounce and two-ounce pours easily. But you can also go with a bell jigger if that’s more your style. The goal here is to get your measurements right, so prioritize function over aesthetics.

Bar Spoon

A bar spoon is used to stir the cocktail. At first glance, you’ll notice that bar spoons are long and usually feature a twisted handle. This is not just for looks. The twist provides a good grip while stirring, and the long construction reaches all parts of the glass, from top to bottom.

Strainer

A strainer is the secret to professional-looking (and tasting) drinks. This is what eliminates those little bits of herbs and ice that make homemade cocktails look, well, homemade. There are three main types of strainers to choose from: Hawthorne, Julep, and Fine/Mesh Strainers.

The Hawthorne Strainer features a rounded coil and fits the edge of most tin shakers. If you have a Boston shaker, the Hawthorne would be a great complementary tool. Unlike the Hawthorne, the Julep Strainer is a smaller, rounded strainer typically used with mixing glasses (not shakers).

RELATED POST: 7 Dishwasher Safe Flatware Sets for Hosts Who Hate Clean-Up

The mesh strainer is best for catching the smallest bits of fruits, herbs, and debris that pass through the Hawthorne Strainer. Think of it as the strainer final boss. It collects every last bit so your drink has a pristine finish.

If you’re a beginner bartender, I recommend starting with the Hawthorne Strainer— it’s a great all-in-one option. Once you graduate to fancier recipes, add a mesh strainer to your toolkit for that *flawless* finish.

Muddler

A muddler is your gateway to fresh herb cocktails and those beautiful mojitos we all know and love. The purpose of the muddler is to press fruit, herbs, and spices to release their flavors. They feature a flat, usually rigid bottom, and are made from stainless steel, wood, and plastic.

Like all bar tools, I recommend investing in a stainless steel muddler because of its durability and, of course, its aesthetics.

And that’s it! Once you stock up on those bar cart essentials, your cocktail options are limitless. Everything else is either a nice-to-have or something you can improvise until you’re ready to upgrade.

Bar Cart Accessories: Bonus Tools

If you’re a beginner host or starting to dabble in mixology, I recommend investing in the items you’ll use the most. The decorative elements can wait. Once you’ve established your basic bar cart essentials, you can expand your collection. Here are a few *bonus* items to elevate your happy hour setup and enhance the taste of your cocktails.

Decanters

Instead of displaying your whisky and rum in their original bottles (let’s face it, the majority are not designer-approved), transfer your liquor into decanters for an aesthetically pleasing display.

Decanters are an easy way to transform your alcohol from eye sores to elevated decor pieces. They come in a variety of styles and sizes to suit different liquor collections. And there’s really nothing better than pouring from an elegant decanter. It elevates the entire cocktail experience and is a surefire way to impress your guests.

Ice Cube Trays

Believe it or not, ice cubes play a big role in mixology. Ice can influence the texture, temperature, flavor, and appearance of a cocktail. Let’s cover a few guidelines so you choose the right ice cube every time.

It’s surprising, but something as minor as ice can have a significant impact on the taste and appearance of your cocktails. The right ice will look intentional in the glass, like you planned every little detail. Now that I host at home more often, I always have a tray of ice balls and large cubes in my freezer, ready to go for any occasion.

Ice Bucket & Scoop

Ice buckets are a versatile bar tool and a must for hosts. You can use an ice bucket to keep your champagne bottle or canned beverages chilled during a party. You could also add a scoop or an ice tong for guests to refresh their drinks throughout the event.

Ice buckets are an easy way to elevate any occasion and ensure your drinks are ready to enjoy at a moment’s notice. This is the one I use to host all of my parties. I’ve given it a lot of love over the years, and it still looks brand new!

A Well-Deserved Happy Hour

Instead of sprinting out of the office with your coworkers to make the final few minutes of happy hour, make your way back home instead. You can craft your favorite cocktails in the comfort of your kitchen, host your friends and family, and create a cocktail bar vibe that’s uniquely your own.

Remember, your bar cart doesn’t need to be perfectly styled or completely stocked to host at home—it just needs to work for you and your guests. Start small, build your toolkit gradually, and most importantly, enjoy the process.

This post is all about the best bar cart essentials.